Walton Retires After 30 Years in Military

Photo By David Lipp | Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk (right), North Dakota adjutant general, presents Col. Robert Walton with the North Dakota Legion of Merit, the second highest award presented in the North Dakota National Guard. The medal recognizes Walton's 30 years of dedicated service upon his retirement.  

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES

05.01.2010

Story by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp 

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

FARGO, N.D. — Numerous well-wishers and award presentations ushered a North Dakota Army National Guard officer into retirement May 1. Col. Robert Walton ended a 30-year military career during a retirement ceremony at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center.

"I thank you on behalf of the North Dakota National Guard and the U.S. Army for your 30 years of military service," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "But most importantly, I thank you for taking care of our Soldiers and their families."

Walton received his commission as an engineer officer from the North Dakota State University ROTC program in 1980, and went on to serve more than 11 years in the Army Reserve and more than 18 years in the National Guard. During his service in the Guard, he commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 164th Regional Training Institute, 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion and, most recently, the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. He deployed to Iraq from 2007-08 as the executive officer for the Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division.

During the May 1 ceremony, Walton was presented the Legion of Merit medal, the second highest federal peacetime award. The citation recognized his distinguished career, saying he "exemplifies the finest qualities of leadership, professionalism and untiring dedication to duty."

Walton also received the Army Engineer Association Bronze de Fleury award, which is reserved solely for engineer officers, a U.S. flag cased in honor of his retirement, a National Guard plaque recognizing his 18 years of service in the Guard, a Certificate of Service in honor of 30 years in the military and a number of letters from leaders throughout the chain of command.

Each subordinate unit under Walton's command also presented a special award, with carved plaques or framed certificates coming from the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), based in Wahpeton and Oakes, N.D.; the 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal), based in Edgeley, Wishek, Lisbon and Jamestown, N.D.; the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper), based in Jamestown; the 231st Brigade Support Battalion, based in Valley City and Fargo, N.D.; and Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, of Fargo.

Walton's wife, Patricia, also was honored during the ceremony with a Certificate of Appreciation for her support of her husband's military career. Patricia, too, serves in the military — as a master sergeant with the North Dakota Air National Guard.

Walton began his remarks by thanking his family, saying, "If it weren't for family, I wouldn't be able to participate in the Guard this many years." He also thanked the guidance of senior leaders and non-commissioned officers throughout his career, and the Soldiers he has had the pleasure to serve with for the past three decades.

Walton lives in Fargo, N.D., and has two children: Melanie and Andy. He is a registered civil engineer at the North Dakota Department of Transportation, serving as the Fargo district engineer. Following his retirement from the Guard, he plans to keep connections with his military family by serving with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2010
• Date Posted: 05.01.2010 15:41
• Story ID: 48989
• Location: FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, US